DANAO City in northern Cebu is home to many illegal gun manufacturers. What many don’t know is that it is also home to Dynacast, a manufacturer of High Speed Tactical Watercraft (HSTW).

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently acquired 22 HSTW from the firm to go after criminals on the water.

The HSTW has three 750 horsepower engines, which makes it stable even when going at speeds of 47 knots, or roughly 87 kilometers per hour, according to Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.

It is also armed with 7.62 mm machine guns and automatic grenade launchers.

Ferro said two speed boats will be given to the PRO 7.

He said it is the ideal craft to patrol the waters that surround Cebu, which is why he plans to partner with local government units for the purchase of additional units.

He said drug personalities and terrorists often use the sea to carry out their illegal activities.

Ferro cited the incursion of Abu Sayyaf members in the neighboring island of Bohol in 2017.

With the reopening of tourism in Central Visayas, he said the sea must be guarded.

“The way to protect us from drug smuggling, terrorism and other internal security issues is having a police force in the maritime line,” Ferro said.

The police official believes the PNP will acquire more speed boats from Danao City to be distributed in all regions of the country.

Ferro said he is proud that the manufacturer of the world-class HSTW is in Cebu. It is something Cebu should boast about to help improve the lives of Danao City’s residents.

He has suggested to the City Government to encourage manufacturers of homemade guns, which are illegal, to switch to making door knobs, which are legal. (AYB / MMC)